Punjab State Of India Research Articles

Remote Sensing Based Spatio-Temporal Study of Rice Residue Burning in Haryana & Punjab States of India

Remote Sensing Based Spatio-Temporal Study of Rice Residue Burning in Haryana & Punjab States of India

Happy Seeder Technologies in Punjab State of India: Lessons Learned from Farmers

Happy seeder has emerged as a way for a sustainable production system under the present rice-wheat cropping system in Punjab. The present survey was conducted during season 2019, comprising 50 randomly selected farmers on happy rabi seeder technology in Punjab, India, to understand the status, economic benefits, ease of access and complexity of technology, recommended practices (POP) followed and reasons for the non-adoption of recommended practices. The majority of the respondents used happy seeders in their field on a rent basis. The majority of the respondents (84 percent) observed a decrease in yield and net income by adopting a happy seeder, whereas input expenditures were reduced while using a happy seeder. The survey further revealed that the majority of the respondents applied more than the recommended dose of nitrogenous fertilizers and more seed rate. Refinement needs to be done in recommendations of use of happy seeder. Necessary incentives by way of subsidy and low rent on happy seeders to increase adoption of this technology should be made available by the concerned agencies.

Brucellosis in India: Comparing exposure amongst veterinarians, para-veterinarians and animal handlers

The exposure to Brucella species is an occupational hazard for veterinary personnel in India. In our previous study, paraveterinarians and animal handlers were found to be at higher risk of being seropositive. In the present study, we further investigate comparative exposure risk to brucellosis amongst the veterinary professionals, identify risk factors, and evaluate the perceptions and practices towards using adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) while attending high risk veterinary interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst veterinary personnel in the Punjab state of India. Logistic and negative binomial regression models were constructed to interpret the influence of categorical and numerical variables on prevalence of brucellosis and the adequacy of PPE use, respectively. Compared to veterinarians, animal handlers were less likely to consider veterinary practice in sheep and goats (odds ratio [OR] 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2–0.7) or assisting in obstetric interventions (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.8) as potential exposures. They were less aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease in humans (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.02–0.14) and of the availability of vaccines for cattle (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.3) than the veterinarians, and were least likely of the three groups to recommend vaccination of cattle against brucellosis to animal owners (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02–0.3). Compared to veterinarians, they were also less likely to consider zoonotic risk (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.8) or better efficiency (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.05–0.4) as enablers of PPE use during veterinary procedures. Of the three occupational groups, animal handlers were also less likely to use adequate PPE during high-risk veterinary exposures, although they were found to have handled the highest number of cases of abortion. The average use of adequate PPE during high-risk interventions in one month preceding this study was lowest for animal handlers. Veterinary personnel with a higher rate of PPE use during high-risk veterinary interventions were likely to obtain information on brucellosis from government sources (p = 0.06) and felt that PPE use enhanced their professional efficiency (Incidence rate ratio [IRR] 3.3, 95% CI 1.5–8.1) compared to those who were less likely to use adequate PPE. We recommend concerted efforts to increase awareness amongst veterinary personnel, particularly amongst animal handlers, regarding brucellosis and the importance of biosecurity measures in veterinary practice. Designing training courses on the importance of PPE use along with formulation of biosecurity guidelines at local levels could help reduce the prevalence of the disease in veterinary personnel.

Seroprevalence and risk factor investigation for the exposure of Toxoplasma gondii among veterinary personnel in Punjab, India

Toxoplasma gondii, a globally important food borne zoonotic parasite, infects most of the warm-blooded animals as well as people. Veterinarians and para vets are considered at risk of T. gondii exposure. We determined the seroprevalence of T. gondii in veterinary personnel and investigated the associated risk factors in Punjab, India. Two hundred and five blood samples collected from veterinary personnel were tested for the presence of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. The apparent and true seroprevalence of T. gondii with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. Information about participant demographics, and possible routes of exposure was collected using a self-completed questionnaire at the time of blood collection. For risk factor investigation, a veterinary person was considered Toxoplasma seropositive using a combination of tests in parallel, i.e. if it was positive in either IgG or IgM ELISA. A mixed effects logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the association of demography, occupational and non-occupational factors with Toxoplasma seropositive status. The apparent and estimated true seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies using Toxoplasma IgG ELISA was 8.78% (95% CI 5.63–13.45%) and 7.36% (95% CI 4.04–12.29%), respectively. The apparent and estimated true seroprevalence using Toxoplasma IgM ELISA was 0.49% (95% CI inestimable - 2.71%) and 0.51% (95% CI inestimable - 2.83%), respectively. After adjusting other variables in the final model, consuming mutton and owning a cat were associated with large odds of being Toxoplasma seropositive. In this study occupational exposure does not seem to play an important role for the exposure of T. gondii in veterinary personnel in Punjab state of India. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in veterinary personnel is comparatively low in occupationally exposed veterinary personnel in Punjab, India.

Pedagogy and Student Learning Outcomes in Elementary Schools in Rural India: A Quasi-Experimental Approach

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of effective teaching methods on learning outcomes in elementary schools in rural India. Particularly, this paper studies an innovative learning enhancement program called “Parrho Punjab” launched in 2007 in the Indian state of Punjab. Using cross-sectional data, the effect of the “Parrho Punjab” program on third to fifth grade children’s learning levels in basic mathematics is evaluated. This study develops combined research designs of propensity score matching technique and the difference-in-differences (DID) method. In a first step, propensity score matching technique is applied to create a synthetic control group that is as similar as possible to the treatment group in terms of pre- “Parrho Punjab” characteristics. The difference-in-differences approach is then used to estimate the effect of the program on third to fifth grade children’s learning outcomes in basic mathematics. The results indicate a positive and significant effect of the program on children’s learning outcomes in basic mathematics, underscoring the importance of effective pedagogy in enhancing learning outcomes. Combining propensity score matching with the difference-in-differences approach, this study addresses the problem of unmeasured confounding. The DID approach will produce misleading conclusions in the presence of bias due to unmeasured confounders. To the best of my knowledge, previous studies using a DID method for examining the impact of effective teaching strategies on student learning outcomes in India have not made such attempts to address the problem of confounding bias.

Assessment of electricity generation potential from biochar in Northern India

Environment-friendly rice and wheat straw management in the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have been a significant challenge. Farmers have adopted in-situ burning of crop residues as it is almost out of no pocket expense. However, this practice amounts to releasing 42.32 MT hazardous pollutants and GHGs into the atmosphere, which has an estimated 58.62 MT CO2e GWP. The present study considered biochar conversion of surplus rice and wheat straw through slow pyrolysis to investigate biochar compatibility for cofiring with coal in power plants. Rice straw derived biochar produced at 400 °C, and wheat straw derived biochar produced at 500 °C were found most suitable for cofiring and electricity generation. It was estimated that about 10.53 MT high quality coal grade biochar could be produced from 28.35 MT of surplus rice and wheat straw in Punjab and Haryana, which has an estimated 19.80 TWh electricity generation potential. Also, electricity generation from biochar would reduce pollutant emissions imparting 30.25 MT CO2e GWP. The results of this study could provide baseline data for fuel replacement in power plants.

Emotion Regulation Difficulties Mediate the Relationship between Neuroticism and Health-Risk Behaviours in Adolescents

Health-Risk-Behaviors (HRBs) are significant antecedent conditions of adolescents’ poor health and mortality. Prevention of avoidable adverse health outcomes requires an in-depth understanding of the factors associated with such outcomes. Among other possible pathways, the ‘Neuroticism- HRBs-adverse health’ link has been supported in previous studies. However, more extensive exploration of this link is required to identify the underlying modifiable risk factors. In the present study, one such factor, namely, emotion regulation difficulties, was explored to see its mediating effect in the relationship between neuroticism and HRBs—the first two constructs of the mentioned link. In this quantitative study, a total of 759 adolescents belonging to the Indian state of Punjab (Males= 402; M(age)=16.08) provided relevant information on a set of standardized questionnaires. Mediation analysis supported the major hypothesis of the present study. The results suggest that emotion regulation difficulty may be a significant mediator in the neuroticism-HRBs link. One’s difficulty in regulating emotions might be an underlying mechanism through which high neuroticism increases the probability of indulging in HRBs, resulting in adverse health outcomes. The study implies that the assessment of emotion regulation difficulties should be included in interventional programs aimed at achieving adolescents’ wellbeing, and early intervention may avoid progression toward adverse health outcomes in adulthood.

Structural change and economic growth in India: a comparative study of Punjab

PurposeThe Green Revolution transformed agriculture in the Indian State of Punjab, with positive spillovers to the rest of India, but recently the state’s economy has fallen dramatically in rankings of per capita state output. Understanding the trajectory of Punjab’s economy has important lessons for all of India. Economic development is typically associated with changes in economic structure, but Punjab has remained relatively reliant on agriculture rather than shifting economic activity to manufacturing and services, where productivity growth might be greater.Design/methodology/approachThe authors empirically examine structural change in the Punjab economy in the context of structural change and economic growth across the States of India. The authors calculate structural change indices and map their pattern over time. The authors estimate panel regressions and time-varying parameter regressions, as well as performing productivity change decompositions into within-sector and structural changes.FindingsPanel regressions and time-varying-coefficient regressions suggest a significant positive influence of structural change on state-level growth. In addition, growth positively affected structural change across India’s states. The relative lack of structural change in Punjab’s economy is implicated in its relatively poor recent growth performance. Comparisons with a handful of other states reinforce this conclusion: Punjab’s lack of economic diversification is a plausible explanation for its lagging economic performance.Originality/valueThis paper performs a novel empirical analysis of structural change and growth, simultaneously using three different approaches: panel regressions, time-varying parameter regressions and productivity decompositions. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the only paper we are aware of that combines these three approaches.

Examining the factor structure of quality of technical education: evidence from Punjab state of India

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting the quality of technical education in a developing nation, India.Design/methodology/approachParticipants were 465 students and 310 faculty members who were randomly chosen from a total of 31 institutions/colleges/universities providing engineering education in Punjab state of India. The factor structures were obtained by applying factor analysis.FindingsThe result of this research reveals ten factors determining the quality of technical education, such as teaching practices, infrastructural facilities, industry–institute linkage, faculty's qualification, reputation of the institute, procedural simplification, administrative staff services, access and equity, financial burden of the course and work culture. Moreover, the research results also reveal eight factors affecting the quality of technical education, namely, institutional standards, institutional support, teaching environment, teaching practices, performance-linked promotion, work culture, academic freedom and administrative services in this order of preference are essential for the delivery of quality in technical education.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to examine the factor structure of technical education quality from both the perspectives of students and faculty. The implications of this study are expected to help the management of technical education institutes, regulatory agencies and the government in devising strategies to enhance the quality of technical education in India.

Groundwater management in India's Punjab and Haryana: a case of too little and too late?

The North Indian states of Punjab and Haryana (P&H) are a part of the water-rich Indo-Gangetic river basin. Despite this abundance, both states are on the cusp of a severe water crisis due to groundwater over-extraction. The proliferation of tubewells to support irrigation is responsible for more than 90 per cent of the groundwater extraction in both states. What started as a boon during the Green Revolution has given rise to a host of socio-economic and environmental issues. Overexploitation of groundwater is not a simple problem that the laws can quickly fix. In 2020, both P&H passed legislation to manage their water, including groundwater; however, these legal responses are far from what is required. This article examines the law on groundwater in P&H, focusing on the fallouts of silo-based decision-making where the different facets of water management are left to various authorities resulting in working at cross-purposes and inefficient decision-making. We argue that there is an urgent need to (1) delink groundwater rights from land rights and (2) adopt an integrated resource management strategy if P&H are to utilise their groundwater sustainably.

Surface water estimation at regional scale using hybrid techniques in GEE environment-A case study on Punjab State of India

Monitoring surface water bodies accurately is one of the most crucial applications of remote sensing. It is a global challenge in the times of climate change, since surface water is the most important component of the hydrological cycle. Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) method based on spectral index is calculated from the Green and Shortwave-Infrared (SWIR) bands, for monitoring surface water. This index helps to map surface water accurately based on the threshold using Otsu method for achieving higher level of accuracy. Earth observing satellite by ESA, Sentinel-2 provides multispectral images at a fine spatial and spectral resolution. This dataset has high potentiality for significantly mapping regional surface water, due to its frequent revisiting capabilities and spectral capabilities. Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform can be used for processing the huge datasets easily in the most efficient way for fast computation, storing and displaying the huge datasets. A pilot study has been carried out in Northwest part of India to demonstrate the effectiveness of mapping mean surface water for the temporal window June 2016 to March 2020 from Sentinel-2 using GEE so as to understand the patterns of surface water inundation at a regional scale.

Determining constraints in medicinal plants adoption: A model geospatial study in the Indian state of Punjab

Understanding the constraints involved in the adoption of medicinal plant cultivation is the most important step to design future policies and action plans for effective outcomes. Keeping this in view, a model survey-based study involving medicinal plant cultivators by using a purposing sampling technique was carried out. Additionally, farmers identified via exploration of various channels from public and personal sources were geo-tagged using Geographic Information System (GIS). The digital maps shall act as a platform to establish linkage between concerned stakeholders viz. policymakers, traders, industries, regulatory agencies, and farmers. The scope of the study was limited to progressive farmers cultivating commercially important medicinal plants i.e. Curcuma longa L. (Haldi), Aloe vera (Linn.) Burm.f (Ghritkumari), Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amla), Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi), Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz (Sarpgandha). The survey questionnaire was developed through the expert advisory method, followed by statistical validation based on achieving Chronbach’s alpha value of 0.6. Statistical analysis of the responses by applying Mean Percentage Score (MPS) and significance determination using Chi-square test indicated prominent correlation among small and large farmers in context to technical, trade, social, and awareness aspects. The study highlighted the non-availability of quality planting material, lack of awareness about good agricultural and packaging practices, less knowledge about agro-climatic suitability, and commercialization avenues acted as one of the major constraints. The study will act as a basis to frame policies for promoting medicinal plant cultivation as a commercially successful crop diversification model in the region.

Manifesting hope in despair: Exploring prosocial behavioural outcomes of COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) outbreak has resulted into global devastation. This study attempts to explore the positive phenomenal impact of perceived pandemic anxiety resulting in prosocial behaviour (PB) through the mechanisms of self‐awareness and spiritual transformation using terror management theory (TMT). The study also examines the moderating impact of conscious state expansion (CSE) on the self‐awareness and spiritual transformation relationship, and the impact of this moderation effect is further tested separately on two gender groups. The data (N = 573) for the study were collected from the Punjab state of India during the ascending phase of outbreak. The results of PLS‐SEM analysis reveal the significant influence of variables under study on prosocial behavioural outcomes. Taking insights from the findings of the study it becomes clear that during dreadful situations, when people experience the possibility of loss of life, their self‐awareness level increases, which in turn results in their spiritual transformation. Such mechanism is observed more in the people possessing higher spiritual consciousness. The study concludes by recognising the positive role played by spiritual transformation (ST) in the evolution of the attributes of care and compassion for others, resulting in positive social consequences. The discussion, implications, limitations, and future directions are presented and discussed.

New records of desmids from Ropar wetland (a Ramsar Site) of Punjab, India

This study deals with exploration of freshwater desmids for the first time from Ropar wetland (Ramsar site) of Punjab (India) to assess their taxonomic aspects and bio-geographical distribution. During this study, samples of planktonic, epiphytic and epilithic desmids were collected from littoral zone and were observed under light microscope for their morphometric characteristics based identification. Total 21 desmids species belonging to 4 genera of 2 families (Closteriaceae and Desmidiaceae) were identified from the collected samples. Among them, Cosmarium with 11 species (C. awadhense, C. bioculatum, C. trilobatum, C. divergens, C. granatum, C. moniliforme, C. nitidulum, C. subtumidum, C. reniforme, C. undulatum and C. obtusatum) was found to be most abundant followed by Closterium with 7 species (C. acerosum, C. dianae, C. incurvum, C. leibleinii, C. lunula, C. pritchardianum and C. aciculare), Euastrum with 2 species (E. spinulosum and E. platycerum) and Staurastrum with 1 species (S. crenulatum). The geographic distribution of identified desmid taxa in India has been also recorded. All the desmid taxa identified during this study are new record for the Punjab state of India. The results of this study provide significant baseline data for the future taxonomic and ecological studies from the similar habitats.

Quantitative risk assessment of human Taenia solium exposure from consuming pork produced in Punjab, India.

Taenia solium cysticercosis is a neglected zoonosis that affects people throughout much of the developing world. The disease is endemic in Punjab state of India and controlling it is a public health challenge. No studies have been conducted to quantify the risk of T.solium exposure from consuming pork produced in the state. A stochastic quantitative risk assessment (QRA) model was constructed to understand the risk of human T.solium infection from consuming pork produced in Punjab. Input data were collected from official records, published literature, active surveillance and specifically for this study. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the influence of the input parameters on the main output probability that any one pork meal is infective (contains at least one viable cyst) at consumption. The probability of any pork meal in Punjab containing at least one viable T.solium cyst post-storage and post-cooking was median 5.57×10-4 (95% PI 1.06×10-4 -1.95×10-3 ). Sobol' sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the most influential input parameters on consumption of a pork meal with at least one viable T.solium were the probability that a meal is insufficiently cooked to render cysts unviable, and the proportion of infected carcasses following informal slaughter. Whilst improved sanitation and hygiene can prevent cysticercosis in people, efforts to reduce the prevalence of T.solium cysts in pig carcases by preventing pigs' access to human waste, increasing meat inspection and promoting effective cooking practices are also important to reduce this source of taeniasis.

Assessment of Metal(loid) Contamination and Genotoxic Potential of Agricultural Soils.

Soil, a connecting link between biotic and abiotic components of terrestrial ecosystem, receives different kinds of pollutants through various point and nonpoint sources. Among different sources of soil pollution, contaminated irrigation water is one of the most prominent sources affecting soils throughout the globe. The irrigation water (both surface and groundwater) is increasingly getting polluted with contaminants such as metal(loid)s due to various anthropogenic activities. The present study was conducted to analyze metal(loid) contents in agricultural soil samples (N = 24) collected from fields along the banks of rivers Beas and Sutlej flowing through Punjab state of India, using wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectroscopy. The soil samples were also analyzed for their genotoxic potential using Allium cepa root chromosomal aberration assay. The rivers Beas and Sutlej are contaminated with municipal and industrial effluents in different parts of Punjab. The soil samples analyzed were found to have higher contents of arsenic, cobalt and chromium in comparison with the reference values given by various international agencies. Pollution assessment using different indices like index of geo-accumulation, enrichment factor and contamination factor revealed that the soil samples were highly polluted with cobalt and arsenic. The Allium cepa assay revealed that maximum genotoxicity was found in soil samples having higher contents of As and Co. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlation between the different metal(loid)s which indicated common sources of these metal(loid)s. Therefore, efforts must be taken to reduce the levels of these metal(loid)s in these agricultural soils.

Socio-economic and Socio-personal Characteristics of Agri-Entrepreneurs: A Study of Uttarakhand and Punjab State of India

This study investigated the Socio-economic and Socio-personal characteristics of agripreneurs. The study was conducted in Uttarakhand and Punjab states. Data for the investigation were collected from 120 respondent trainees, 60 each from the selected state. The study discovered that the majority of respondents (65.83) belonged to middle age group of 29-40 years, were married (75.83%) and had a low level of experience (0-5 years) in the agri enterprises. It was found that the majority of the respondents (50.83%) were engaged in agriculture belonged to the General caste and had education up to graduation (57.50%). A maximum number of the respondents were involved in social and political institutions holding more than one position (35.83%), belonged to medium family size (49.17%), possessed 5-10 animal (biogas plant, pump set, two-wheeler (36.67%). The majority of the respondents (81.17%) had a medium level of socio-economic status (SES).

The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work from home and employee productivity

PurposeThis study aims to test the relationship between work from home (WFH) and employee productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also examines the moderating role of gender in the relationship between WFH and employee productivity.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 250 respondents from hospitality, banking and information technology was taken from the National Capital Region and Punjab State of India. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and multi-group moderation analysis.FindingsThe findings provide support for the negative relationship between WFH and employee productivity. This study also provides empirical evidence that gender moderates the relationship between WFH and employee productivity.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind to test the relationship between WFH and employee productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes to the organizational behavior literature by providing empirical support to the organizational adaptation theory.

Conceptual ECCE Happiness Framework for Preschools: To Introduce Importance of Happiness to Promote Social and Emotional Competence in Preschool Children

The primary objective of this article is to create a conceptual Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) happiness framework for preschool children in India. Although happiness is regarded as one of the key elements that influence early childhood development, an effective happiness framework does not exist for preschools in rural and socio-economically disadvantaged areas in the state of Punjab in India. Therefore, based on research gaps and existing literature, a conceptual framework has been developed to promote social and emotional competence among preschool children through the happiness intervention. The article also discusses (a) the concepts of happiness, and social and emotional competence; (b) the importance of happiness in preschool; (c) the association between happiness and social-emotional competence of preschool children; and (d) the role of preschool teachers in implementing the framework. Future implementation of this framework in the preschools of India will help overcome the limitation that exists in regard to its validation.

Comparative analysis on contract scheme: security or a peril

Contract farming is usually seen as a useful mechanism to assist smallholders in overcoming market access constraints. However, in spite of economic benefits, high smallholder dropout rates from contract schemes are commonplace. The aim of this study is to postulate a mechanism that uses quantitative and qualitative data from the Indian States to show that smallholder farmers benefit from a resource-providing contract in terms of higher yields and incomes, but that most of them still regret their decision to participate within the contract scheme and would like to exit if they might. The analysis underlines that research that specialize in narrowly defined economic indicators alone cannot explain farmers’ satisfaction with contracts and their dropout behaviour. The main problem within the contract scheme is insufficient information provided by the corporate. Farmers don't understand all the contract details, which results in substantial mistrust. Farmers believe that the corporate behaves opportunistically, as an example during the output weighing procedure, and these beliefs are significantly correlated with the farmers’ wish to exit. Moreover comparing such an instance to recent spike in dissatisfaction amongst farmers in the Punjab state in India, followed by disregard for the Government of India’s new found APMC Policy.